Spring in Asia

11.03.2015 - 11.03.2015

Whether you are in the Forbidden City, at the foot of the mighty Great Wall or in the midst of exotic countryside, China will provide you with some unforgettable impressions. Wander through the bustling streets of South Korea’s metropolis, Seoul, before seeking the resplendence of Far Eastern sanctuaries in Japan. The history of this island country will be revealed in the beautiful temples and shrines of Fukuoka and Himeji Castle.

Garden Cruise

Please note that your choosen cruise is conducted in German only. All printed matters are available in German. Nevertheless our crew is fluent in English.

Your ship - MS EUROPA

Your most beautiful yacht in the world

Travelling to the world's most beautiful destinations on board the EUROPA will be an experience in itself: whether you're shaking the captain's hand or going to a dazzling gala evening, enjoy the traditional luxury of a classic cruise in the company of a small group of no more than 400 guests. You can look forward to the highest service and gastronomy standards, which have already been awarded the rating of 5-stars-plus for the eighteenth time in a row by the Berlitz Cruise Guide 2018. You can always rely on our German-speaking crew who, with their discreet attentiveness and eye for detail, will be happy to fulfil your individual wishes.

Come on board the EUROPA, home of the extraordinary. Dive into a world of moving experiences and exclusive moments. See where state-of-the-art comfort and luxurious cruise traditions meet.

Qingdao (Tsingtau)/ChinaExplore the German side of this megacity: from the Xiao Yu Shan hill*, you can enjoy a wonderful view over the red-tiled roofs of the historic city centre, before a traditional German-Chinese beer tasting at a brewery* – of course, the beer is brewed according to German purity laws. The rock formations of the holy Laoshan* mountain are known as the “home of the immortals”. Walk along the enchanting mountainside and throw a coin into the fountain of the Taoist Taiqing Palace for luck.

Wednesday, 11.03.2015

Tianjin (Beijing), arrival 21.00 hrs

Tianjin (Beijing)/ChinaThe EUROPA will stay in Tianjin, the port of Beijing, for two nights. The former garrison town itself has plenty to offer, including concert halls, little shops in the style of the Ming dynasty* and the Porcelain House*, decorated with millions of tiny porcelain fragments. You will get to see the historic and modern sides of China on an excursion to Beijing*. Stroll through the vast Tiananmen Square, in the centre of which the marble statue of Mao Zedong rises high above everything else. At the northern end of the square, called the Gate of Heavenly Peace, is the Forbidden City with its precisely 9,999½ rooms, since only heaven may have a palace with 10,000 rooms. On your way back, marvel at Beijing’s futuristic skyscrapers rising high up into the sky. Yet probably the most amazing construction in China is still the Great Wall of China* – see it for yourself!

Wednesday, 11.03.2015

Tianjin (Beijing)

Wednesday, 11.03.2015

Tianjin (Beijing), departure 19.00 hrs

Wednesday, 11.03.2015

Relaxation at sea

Wednesday, 11.03.2015

Incheon (Seoul)/South Korea, arrival 7.00 hrs**

Incheon (Seoul)/South KoreaDiscover the capital of South Korea, past and present: back in the 14th century, the Joseon Dynasty ruled vast parts of the country from here. You can see its legacy today in five preserved palaces: Changdeokgung Palace* is particularly worth visiting with its secret Biwon garden. The smallest palace, Deoksugung Palace*, is surrounded by skyscrapers, which along with the World Cup stadium* shape the modern cityscape. From Namsan Mountain*, which rises up in the heart of Seoul, you will have a panoramic view over the city. In Mary’s Alley, little antiques shops and galleries offer a colourful array of porcelain, handmade paper and traditional statues – a great place to visit.

Wednesday, 11.03.2015

Incheon (Seoul), departure 13.00 hrs**

Wednesday, 11.03.2015

Mokpo, 7.00 – 15.00 hrs

Mokpo/South Korea

Wednesday, 11.03.2015

Pusan, 7.00 – 18.00 hrs

Pusan/South KoreaThe second largest city in the country is nestled on the slopes of the surrounding mountain range and is enchanting in many different ways: climb the 120 m high tower in Yongdusan Park* for a panoramic view over the surrounding bays or stay in the harbour to see what the largest fish market* South Korea has to offer. Alternatively, visit Gyeongju*, where you can witness the history of the lost Silla Kingdom: the Seokguram Grotto and temple complex is an impressive combination of Buddhist religion and Far Eastern architecture.

Wednesday, 11.03.2015

Fukuoka/Japan, 7.00 – 17.00 hrs

Fukuoka/JapanThe history of this “cradle of Japanese civilisation” goes back as far as 300 BCE and its location meant that it became an early centre of trade with China. You can learn more about the city’s history at the ruins of Fukuoka Castle, and the nearby Ohori Park* is an oasis of peace. From the idyllic water features and landscape gardens, admire the city’s skyline and the highest coastal tower in Japan – the 234 m high Fukuoka Tower*.

Wednesday, 11.03.2015

Hiroshima, 8.00 – 18.00 hrs

Hiroshima/JapanSix rivers flow through modern Hiroshima, making a trip on one of the many tour boats a great way of making your own discoveries. Stop off at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, where memorials are a reminder of the city’s past. A magical sight welcomes you to the holy island of Miyajima*: Japan’s most famous landmark, the red Torii gate of the Itsukushima Shrine appears to float over the water.

Himeji/JapanThe white walls of Himeji Castle* can be seen high up above the city and invite you to discover one of the greatest cultural treasures of Japan. The tea houses, lakes and waterfalls of the Koko-en gardens are enchanting and not just during the cherry blossom season – a true gem of Japanese landscape design.

Wednesday, 11.03.2015

KobeTransfer to Osaka for scheduled flight to Frankfurt

Kobe/JapanFollowing a last night on board, start your journey home – or stay on for a post-cruise programme* in Tokyo.

* The shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are in the planning stage. Subject to changes.** Subject to tides.

MS EUROPA Concert Series

In partnership with some of the most famous opera houses and partners, we will present magnificent voices, expert instrumentalists and exhilarating ensembles as part of the MS EUROPA Concert Series on almost every cruise. Some surprises are often thrown in, too, because it is not uncommon for... Read more

In partnership with some of the most famous opera houses and partners, we will present magnificent voices, expert instrumentalists and exhilarating ensembles as part of the MS EUROPA Concert Series on almost every cruise. Some surprises are often thrown in, too, because it is not uncommon for international artists to spontaneously join up - providing you with what can only be described as truly unique concert experiences on board and ashore.

MS EUROPA - Your Most Beautiful Yacht In The World

The EUROPA

Travelling to the world's most beautiful destinations on board the EUROPA will be an experience in itself: whether you're shaking the captain's hand or going to a dazzling gala evening, enjoy the traditional luxury of a classic cruise in the company of a small group of no more than 400 guests. You can look forward to the highest service and gastronomy standards, which have already been awarded the rating of 5-stars-plus for the eighteenth time in a row by the Berlitz Cruise Guide 2018. You can always rely on our German-speaking crew who, with their discreet attentiveness and eye for detail, will be happy to fulfil your individual wishes.

Come on board the EUROPA, home of the extraordinary. Dive into a world of moving experiences and exclusive moments. See where state-of-the-art comfort and luxurious cruise traditions meet.

Suiten

A home away from home: Every suite is inviting – just like an elegant home, but at sea. Each is equipped with all the facilities you would expect, and designed so that you have plenty of space to yourself. What’s more, the view changes every day.

Restaurants

Culinary perfection: Our chefs serve up masterful creations in four restaurants, from classic dishes to uncharted culinary waters. On selected cruises, they will even accept a little assistance - but only from the best in the field, of course. The stars of the culinary world, recipients of Michelin stars or Gault et Millau chef hats, dazzle with distinctive creations and deliver taste sensations that you will rave about for a long time afterwards.

Bars

To see out the day in style: Five bars promise hours of pleasant relaxation and are the perfect location to see out any day in wonderful style. They are also popular locations for a few of the events that we organise for you on every cruise.

SPA & Fitness

You alone decide how many and what type of physical challenges you want to set yourself. Perhaps you would like to discover something new, take up an old activity again or simply improve your stamina. If you wish, you can ask the personal trainer to help you put together a fitness programme that is tailored precisely to your physical condition and your personal goals. Then you can choose whether to work out alone or in a group – and set off for breathtaking experiences along the coasts of the world with new energy.

Entertainment

Top-class entertainment awaits you on the stages on board. Enjoy concerts and performances by famous artists, face-to-face and in a personal setting. We welcome renowned stars of classical music on board on many of our cruises. Enjoy high-calibre big-band music, the finest dance music, musical melodies and elegant lounge music as well as all types of cabaret artists, readings and theatrical pieces. Exclusive events and selected special cruise formats guarantee unforgettable moments and promise a truly special entertainment programme.